The Americast Awards 2025… on 5 Live!

The Americast Awards 2025… on 5 Live!

Author: BBC News December 16, 2025 Duration: 35:20

It’s time for the 2025 Americast Awards…

There’s no doubt that it’s been a tumultuous year in US politics. From a dramatic disagreement between President Trump and Ukraine’s President Zelensky in the Oval Office, the deployment of the National Guard to cities across America, self-described democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani becoming the Mayor of New York, to Trump announcing his plan to turn Gaza into the ‘Riviera of the Middle East’.

Justin, Sarah and Marianna pitch the moments which they think caused the biggest ripples in America this year to Matt Chorley. And we hear some of your picks too.

HOSTS:

• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter

• Sarah Smith, North America Editor

• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH:

• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB

• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480

• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk

• Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve.The technical producer was Johnny Hall.The series producer is Purvee Pattni.The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl

Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm

Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r

The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd


Trying to make sense of American politics can feel like navigating a maze. Americast, from BBC News, cuts through the noise with a perspective that’s both grounded and far-reaching. You’ll hear from seasoned correspondents like the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, and presenter Justin Webb, who bring decades of experience to the conversation. This isn’t just a recap of headlines; it’s about understanding the forces shaping the United States, from the granular details observed on the ground to the wider historical and social currents at play. The team delves into everything from election campaigns and policy debates to the complex role of disinformation and social media, offering clarity on the stories that define the nation week to week. Relying on the BBC’s global network of journalists, this podcast provides analysis that connects local events to their international significance. For anyone looking to move beyond the soundbites and gain a more nuanced view of American government and society, tuning into this weekly discussion offers a valuable and authoritative resource.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Americast
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